A longtime anthem singer is improving after suffering a medical emergency earlier this week.
Gerald Chaney, a familiar presence at White Sox home games, collapsed while performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” on Wednesday as part of the team’s Jackie Robinson Day observance. He had also been scheduled to sing the national anthem immediately afterward.
Those at the ballpark said Chaney briefly paused twice during his performance and fell to the ground just behind home plate after the second pause. Medical personnel quickly attended to the singer before he was carried off the field on a stretcher. Luckily, Chaney appeared alert as he was taken to a local hospital for further testing.
Following the scary incident, the White Sox released this statement:
The White Sox longtime anthem performer, Gerald Chaney, experienced a medical emergency while singing during pregame tonight. He received treatment by EMTs at the ballpark and was alert prior to being transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
The entire White Sox family is sending love to Gerald and his family for a full and speedy recovery.
The health scare led to a brief delay before the start of the game, which the White Sox went on to drop 8–3 against the Rays. The primary concern throughout the night remained Chaney’s condition, which fortunately appears to be getting better.
The White Sox said Chaney was singing shortly after arriving at the hospital, and doctors expected him to be released after the overnight stay.
Our team at Sox On 35th wishes Gerald all the best as he continues his recovery and hopes to see him back at Rate Field soon!
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